Langkawi Third SW for Star Producer Shortblackmini

Media Release - Saturday February 26

Underrated stayer Langkawi came off the ballot and into the winners’ enclosure at Matamata on Saturday when he produced a determined finish to claim the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m).

Langkawi prevails in a blanket finish to the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) Photo Credit: Trish Dunell

The Peter McKay-trained six-year-old has been in a purple patch of form of late with three wins in his last four starts after a disappointing two seasons where he failed to deliver on the promise he showed during his three-year-old campaign where he finished third in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m).

McKay has played a patient game with the enigmatic son of Helmet and was keen to get a start in Saturday’s black-type contest, especially as he was weighted on the minimum of 53kgs for the event.

Settled in midfield by rider Tegan Newman, Langkawi lobbed along nicely behind a solid speed before easing into contention along the fence approaching the home bend.

Newman and Langkawi issued their challenge at the 200m and kept up a resolute gallop to down gallant pacemaker Even Chance in the shadows of the post, with Slave To Love arriving late to claim third.

McKay admitted it had been a nervous wait to see if his charge would get a start from off the ballot for the race.

“I thought we would get in, but it took quite a while for some of them to drop out and it wasn’t until this morning (Saturday) that we knew we were in,” McKay said.

“I had actually said to Tegan that if we missed, she would be riding him in the last race, but thankfully we managed to get into the race and she then produced an absolute pearler of a ride to get the win.

“It’s her first stakes win and she deserves it as she had him in a beautiful spot all the way and hugged the rail and only came around the one horse in the straight.

“I was really keen to get him in as it was his best chance to have a crack at a race like this with such a light weight.

Advertisement

“He has been flying lately and when he puts his mind on the job, he has a fair amount of ability.”

McKay admitted the horse had disappointed him over the past two years and put it down to a lack of maturity both physically and mentally.

“He had a very good three-year-old season and we were really keen to see how he would go after that, but he was pretty disappointing really,” he said.

“He pretty much did nothing at four and wasn’t much better at five, but this year I think he has worked out what it is all about.

“He can get a bit temperamental and last time at Awapuni he had a really meltdown as it was hot and muggy and he just lost the plot.

“He was a much happier horse today and put in a performance that was much more like his true ability.

“I don’t really know what else is around for him, but we will take some time to celebrate this win and then have a look around at what there is coming up.”

Purchased by McKay for $55,000 out of the Seaton Park draft during the premier session at Karaka in 2017, Langkawi is out of the Black Minnaloushe mare Shortblackmini and is the younger sibling of stakes performers Amarula and Little Wonder. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Kaimai Stakes LR 2000m

Matamata Track: Dead(4) Time: 2:02.58
1
Langkawi
- 6g Helmet (AUS) x Shortblackmini (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe (USA))
Tnr: P N McKay Rdr: T L Newman 53
2
0.2
Even Chance
- 6g O'Reilly (NZ) x Toss Up (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: M & K Murdoch Rdr: M Hashizume 53
3
0.5
Slave To Love
- 4m Savabeel (AUS) x Moochi Me (AUS) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: P & D Williams Rdr: A C Goindasamy 53
4
0.9
Pep Torque
- 8g Nadeem (AUS) x Cosmic Flight (NZ) (Star Way (GB))
Tnr: Ms K Lawrence Rdr: J Kamaruddin 53
5
1.1
Campionessa
- 4m Contributer (IRE) x Bella Carolina (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: M Cameron 53
6
3.6
Camino Rocoso
- 8g Shocking (AUS) x Our Centasea (AUS) (Centaine (AUS))
Tnr: J & K Parsons Rdr: J D Laking 58.5
7
3.9
Cha Siu Bao
- 8g Smart Missile (AUS) x Ballet Society (NZ) (Stravinsky (USA))
Tnr: L O'Sullivan & A Scott Rdr: T Yanagida 53.5
8
4.4
Joe's Legacy
- 7g Guillotine (NZ) x Mia Bambino (NZ) (Danasinga (AUS))
Tnr: Jason Price Rdr: Y Kumagai 53
9
4.5
Beaudz Well
- 5g Zed (NZ) x Celtic Rose (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: J R Wheeler Rdr: L H Satherley 53
10
5.4
Paisley Park
- 7g Azamour (IRE) x Musical Magic (GB) (Mozart (IRE))
Tnr: G Richardson & R Norvall Rdr: V A Colgan 55.5
11
5.6
Time To Celebrate
- 8g Per Incanto (USA) x Silver Cent (NZ) (Centaine (AUS))
Tnr: Ms J K Mahoney Rdr: M J Mc Nab 55.5
12
7.1
Sherrif
- 7g High Chaparral (IRE) x J'adane (NZ) (Danehill (USA))
Tnr: M & K Murdoch Rdr: L G Innes 55
13
8.1
Cleverconversation
- 6g Thewayyouare (USA) x Veronica Hall (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: M K Farmer Rdr: T D Thornton 53
14
8.5
No Rock No Pop
- 4m Rock 'n' Pop (AUS) x No Tolerance (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: L W Somervell Rdr: M Mudhoo 53
15
9.1
Needle And Thread
- 4m Makfi (GB) x Fleece (GB) (Daylami (IRE))
Tnr: S Autridge & K Shailer Rdr: B E Grylls 53
16
25.9
The Mitigator
- 7g Master Of Design (AUS) x Charming Ruby (AUS) (Rubiton (AUS))
Tnr: P N McKay Rdr: S M Mc Kay 60
More Reading...
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
Cambridge Stud Welcome Hello Youmzain First NZ bred SW
Lucy In The Sky delivered a memorable result on multiple fronts with her historic success at Riccarton.
Magic Millions Off-The-Track Cup Prizemoney Increases to $100,000
Magic Millions co-owner, Katie Page-Harvey and Queensland Off-The-Track Chair, Dr Christine Johnson today confirmed the prizemoney pool for the 2026 QOTT Cup will increase to $100,000.
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
Godolphin Again - Unbeaten Desert Flower Wins Newmarket 1000 Guineas
The stars continue to align for Sheikh Mohammed with the Godolphin blue again in the winner’s circle in the UK overnight with undefeated filly Desert Flower taking out the Group I Newmarket 1000 Guineas (1m).
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday May 6
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Growing Empire Retires to Yulong and Fee Set
One of the most exciting colts of his generation, Growing Empire, will join Yulong Stud’s stallion roster for the 2025 breeding season.
$650,000 Stay Inside Filly Sets New Record at Inglis Weanling Sale
A new record price for the Australian Weanling Sale was set at Riverside today when a Stay Inside x Sheidel filly offered by Noorilim Park sold for $650,000.